This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Food writer conference in Park City

Food writers, bloggers and cookbook authors from around the country will travel to Park City next month to learn about Utah's food culture and to hone their skills as part of the 2013 Association of Food Journalists annual conference.

The three-day event takes place Sept. 18-20 at The Treasure Mountain Inn and surrounding Park City restaurants and venues.

Headlining the conference is social-media expert and award-winning cookbook author Monica Bhide, whom the Chicago Tribune chose as a top food writer to watch. Bhide is the author of three cookbooks and has been published in national and international publications including The New York Times, Food & Wine and Bon Appétit. She will share her insights on food writing in today's world of social media.

Attendees will take part in several discussions, from how to hone their photography skills to writing a cookbook in the digital age.

They also will get a taste of Utah's distinctive food culture by attending a Dutch oven cooking demonstration, learning about food storage and getting a better understanding of Utah's nutrition supplement industry.

In between sessions, they'll enjoy food from some of Park City's best restaurants, including a "Taste of Park City" event that features small plates from nine chefs and a tour and tasting at High West Distillery and Saloon.

Members of AFJ include reporters and editors who are affiliated with publications or media organizations, and freelance food writers and bloggers. Registration for the conference is $400 and is open through Saturday, Aug. 31. Food writers interested in attending can see if they qualify for AFJ membership at www.afjonline.com/benefits.cfm.

More Ruby Snap

Ruby Snap Cookies, the retro shop that names its cookies Vivianna, Trudy and other pinup-girl names, has opened a second location inside The Store in Holladay. While the downtown Salt Lake City location sells frozen dough along with baked cookies, the Holladay site sells cookies only.

Where • 4695 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay

Open • Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

More libations

Months after launching, Sugar House Libations already is looking for public funding to expand. The maker of fruit- and herb-infused syrups is seeking $4,500 through the crowd funding site indiegogo. The money will be used to buy a large centrifugal juicer, among other equipment, to help the company expand. Launched at the Downtown Farmers Market this summer, Sugar House Libations sells pear-ginger, plum-lavender and raspberry-mint syrups. For more information: www.indiegogo.com/projects/sugar-house-libations-know-what-you-re-drinking

Name change for farmers market

The Wasatch Front Farmers Market has changed its name to Urban Farm & Feed. The owners of the Murray store  who also run the weekly farmers markets in Millcreek, at Gardner Village, Thanksgiving Point and Wheeler Farm  sell local produce, handmade foods, signature farm jars and urban farm supplies.

Where • 5823 S. State St., Murray; 801-971-3818

Hours • Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

Real Foods Market opens

Salt Lake City's health-minded foodies have another place to shop now that Real Foods Market has expanded into Sugar House. The company also has stores in Orem, Heber City and St. George.

Real Foods is owned by the Redmond Company, which produces RealSalt and Redmond Clay. It also owns Redmond Heritage Farms, which raises hormone-free, antibiotic-free cattle and pork and chicken eggs. Those products will be sold along with fresh produce and body-care and cleaning products. The store has a cafe with outdoor seating and plans to offer seminars on nutrition and wellness. Real Foods also will be the only grocer in the state to sell raw milk.

The store officially opens on Wednesday, Aug. 28, but will hold a grand opening celebration Sept. 28 with music, food tasting and prizes.